More than 400,000 Nigerian lives could be saved if policymakers adopt a progressive approach to tobacco harm reduction (THR), according to landmark research by leading international health experts.
Their ground-breaking report, released this week, outlines how integrating alternative nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches into Nigeria’s tobacco control framework could dramatically reduce the nation’s tobacco-related death toll.
According to the report, titled “Saving 600,000 Lives in Nigeria and Kenya”, 3.5 million Nigerians currently smoke, and each year 26,851 Nigerians die from tobacco-related illnesses.
While the World Health Organisation (WHO) projects those tobacco-related deaths will drop to 18,000 annually by 2060, the experts argue that this number remains far too high.
By adopting THR strategies, they estimate that the annual tobacco-related death toll could be reduced to 7,600 by 2060, saving over 416,000 lives in the process.
“We have a clear opportunity to significantly reduce the burden of tobacco-related diseases in Nigeria,” said Derek Yach, one of the report’s authors and former leader of the Foundation for a Smoke Free World. “By embracing safer alternatives like vapes and nicotine pouches, Nigeria can drastically lower tobacco-related deaths and help smokers quit more effectively. Tobacco harm reduction is the key to saving lives and improving public health in Nigeria.”
The use of THR products has already been proven to reduce smoking rates in countries such as the UK, Sweden, Japan and New Zealand. In these nations, the widespread adoption of e-cigarettes and other nicotine alternatives has led to a marked decline in cigarette consumption, the leading cause of tobacco-related diseases.
“The success stories from other countries are undeniable,” said Dr. Delon Human, co-author of the report and founder of the African Harm Reduction Alliance. “In nations where tobacco harm reduction is embraced, smoking rates are dropping, and lives are being saved. Nigeria can achieve similar results by adopting a more inclusive tobacco control policy that incorporates both standard measures and access to these life-saving alternatives.”
The report calls on Nigerian policymakers to take bold steps in reducing tobacco-related harm by considering the introduction of safer nicotine products into the national health strategy. By offering smokers alternatives that are far less harmful than combustible cigarettes, Nigeria could make significant progress toward its public health goals.
“As Nigeria’s leaders continue to refine tobacco control measures, they have a unique opportunity to reduce tobacco-related harm while empowering smokers with the tools to quit,” Dr. Yach added. “With the right policy choices, Nigeria can not only improve the health of its citizens but also set an example for the rest of Africa.”
By Joseph Magero
